Breathable undergarment

ABSTRACT

An undergarment, comprising an upper portion configured to cover a portion of an abdomen of a user, the upper portion comprising a front side, a back side, a top side, and a front side end, and a back side end, a lower portion configured to cover a genital region of the user, wherein the lower portion comprises a first end and a second end. The undergarment includes a first seam positioned between the front side end and the first end of the lower portion, the first seam configured to be disposed at or above the mons pubis of the user, and a second seam positioned between the back side end and the second end, the second seam configured to be disposed at or below the sacroiliac joint of the user, wherein the lower portion comprises a single-ply fabric panel, said single-ply fabric panel comprising a breathable fabric.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 62/562,356 filed on Sep. 22, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Candida vulvovaginitis is one of the most frequent symptomatic infectious diseases of the lower genital tract in the world.¹ Candida albicans is the most common infectious cause of vulvovaginitis. Though the most common cause of infections, C. albicans is diagnosed with a vaginal swab. Candida vaginitis typically involves the vagina and surrounding areas. However, Candida vulvitis is also a common problem. This condition involves the vulva with the vagina serving as a reservoir. Additionally, patients diagnosed with Candida vulvovaginitis (vulvitis) are typically also suffering from vaginitis.² While the vulva is the area in which the symptoms are often expressed, the treatment must occur in the vaginal reservoir, i.e., the vaginal lumen, where the infection accumulates. Vulvovaginal candidiasis can be difficult to diagnose, and treatments may be ineffective. Approximately 75% of women suffer from the disease at least once in their lifetime.³ Some of these patients can be treated with a topical or oral antifungal drug, but others suffer from a chronic subtype, resulting in a moderate to severe disease which can inhibit their quality of life. ¹Donders, Gilbert G. G., Sobel, Jack D., Candida vulvovaginitis: A store with a buttery and a show window. Blackwell Verlag GmbH; Mycoses 2017; 60: 70-72 (available at: wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/myc).²Id.³Denning, David et al., Global burden of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a systematic review. Lancet Infect. Dis. 2018: published online: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1473-30999(18)30103-8. (citing: Sobel J D. Vulvovaginal candidosis. Lancet 2007; 369:1961-71.).

SUMMARY

An undergarment, comprising an upper portion configured to cover a portion of an abdomen of a user, the upper portion comprising a front side, a back side, a top side, and a front side end, and a back side end, a lower portion configured to cover a genital region of the user, wherein the lower portion comprises a first end and a second end. The undergarment includes a first seam positioned between the front side end and the first end of the lower portion, the first seam configured to be disposed at or above the mons pubis of the user, and a second seam positioned between the back side end and the second end, the second seam configured to be disposed at or below the sacroiliac joint of the user, wherein the lower portion comprises a single-ply fabric panel, said single-ply fabric panel comprising a breathable fabric.

An undergarment for preventing vaginal infections including an upper portion, a lower portion, a first seam, and a second seam connecting between the upper portion and the lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions form a first opening and a second opening for receiving a first leg and a second leg of a user, and wherein the lower portion comprises a single layer of a breathable fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 includes a front side view of an embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 2 is a back side view of an embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of an undergarment.

FIG. 4 is a front side view of another embodiment of an undergarment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles and operation of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patent and literature references cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

It is to be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity). It is to be noted that all ranges disclosed within this specification are inclusive and are independently combinable.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise these terms do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Moreover, unless specifically stated, any use of the terms first, second, etc., does not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

Definitions

The term a “breathable fabric” as used herein, refers to any fabric which allows the passage of air therethrough, including, but not limited to organic or non-organic cotton, spandex, jersey, mesh material, bamboo, or lace, among others, and may include, blends of various fabrics. The weight of the breathable fabric may include 7 oz per square yard weight or less in some areas. In some non-limiting embodiments, the weight of the fabric, at least in the genital region, may include 6 oz per square yard weight or less, and in some non-limiting embodiments, the weight of the fabric may include 5.4 oz per square yard weight. When the breathable fabric includes a mesh material or other knit material, it may include small apertures integrally knit within, in a non-limiting embodiment. The breathable fabric may include an absorbent material or a moisture wicking material. In other embodiments, no apertures may be included in the material or fabric.

The term “genital area” as used herein, includes but is not limited to an area of a user of the female gender, extending from the mons pubis to the sacrum, including the external genital organs, including specifically the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, the vaginal opening, and the vulva. In a user of the male gender, the genital area includes the external genital organs, including the penis, the male urethra and the scrotum. The male genital area also includes the rectum, and any external organs therebetween. Moreover, the male genital area also extends to the sacrum.

In view of the significant and pervasive problems caused by vaginitis and vulvitis, a treatment or prevention of these conditions is needed. Increased breathability and air to the vulva and vagina is necessary for good vulva and vaginal health. Consequently, in many of the embodiments discussed herein, at a minimum, a breathable fabric is used in the genital areas.

The fabrics described herein may include breathable or non-breathable fabrics in various regions of the undergarment as described. In some embodiments, the fabrics may include an absorbent material, a wicking material, or an elastic material. These materials may include natural and/or synthetic fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, wool, rayon, polyester, cotton and polyester blend, elastane, rubber, nylon, nylon or polyester blends with or without elastane, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and other materials or combinations thereof. Various constructions of the materials may include various weaves, knits, including tricot, raschels, Milanese, powernets, ribs, meshes lockstitches, and single knits, doubleknits, ribs, jacquard, and plaited as well as spacer mesh (e.g., knit spacer mesh), among other constructions known to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the invention herein may include an undergarment having a single fabric layer (i.e., single-ply) in the genital region and may include other elements. Using a single fabric layer increases the breathability of the garment and allows enhanced airflow to the genital area. The embodiments may further include a lengthened genital region panel (i.e., a lower portion), which increases breathability to the forward genital area and rectal area. Specific manufacturing including stitching, such as a flat seam, in some embodiments, are required to attach a single fabric layer to the rest of the garment and to increase comfort, while maintaining support. The lower portion may include a breathable fabric, whether or not the other portions of the undergarment includes a breathable fabric. The embodiments differ from other undergarments at least in part by including a single panel in the genital area instead of the standard double layer panel design. The increased length of the genital panel may extend breathability to these sensitive areas. In addition to candida (yeast) vaginal infections as described above, as well as bacterial vaginosis, perirectal rashes are also very common. In postmenopausal women perineal rashes are common as a result of a decreased density of skin in this area. Garments with increased breathability in these areas are helpful in preventing or relieving these types of infections and rashes.

FIG. 1 is a front side view and FIG. 2 is a back side view of an undergarment embodiment 100, including an upper portion 102 and a lower portion 104. The upper portion 102 is configured to cover at least a portion of an abdomen of a user. The lower portion 104 is configured to cover at least a portion of a genital area of a user. The lower portion may also be referred to as the genital region panel. The upper portion 102 includes a top side 110 a front side 106, a back side 108, a front side end 112, and a back side end 114. The lower portion 104 attaches to the upper portion 102 at a first seam 116, positioned between the front side end 112 and a first end of the lower portion 105. The lower portion 104 also attaches to the upper portion 102 at a second seam 118, positioned between the back side end 114 and the second end 107 of the lower portion 104. In some embodiments, the lower portion 104 includes a single-ply, (i.e., single layer) fabric panel. The lower portion 104 may include a breathable fabric as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Openings 122 and 124 allow a left and right leg, respectively, of the user to pass through the undergarment 100 upon placement of the undergarment of the user. The differences of fabric shown in FIGS. 1-3 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 may show different fabric in the upper portion 102 versus the lower portion 104, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the differences in the fabric may include differences in the characteristics of the fabric, including different weights of the fabrics, different pore or aperture sizes in the fabrics, among other characteristics described herein.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the undergarment 100 demonstrating the placement of the lower panel between the front side end and back side ends 112, 114, of the upper portion 102. The first seam 116 and the second seam 118 are shown as arcuate seams, providing additional comfort to a user. Furthermore, the length of the lower portion 104, between the first seam 116 and the second seam 118 is longer than an average length for an underwear of the prior art, wherein the extended length serves to cover a large portion of the entire genital area.

The lower portion 104 of the undergarment may be of the same material as the upper portion 102, or of another material as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The stippling shown in FIGS. 1-3 is provided to differentiate the type of fabric in the lower portion 104 from that in the upper portion 102. While the fabrics may include small apertures between the threads of the fabric, they may not include apertures. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the stippling is provided to differentiate the more breathable fabric of the lower portion 104 as compared to the upper portion 102, this may simply be provided by a lower weight fabric, or other characteristic of the fabric as described in examples herein, or by a single material in this lower portion 104 area as compared to multiple areas in the upper portion 102 region.

If the lower portion 104 and the upper portion 102 both include breathable material, the lower portion 104 may include a breathable material of a lower weight, or breathable material with a smaller denier (D) than the upper portion 102, for example. The lower portion 104 includes a breathable material and may include an open-weave mesh material, in a non-limiting embodiment. The material of the lower portion 104 and/or the upper portion 102 may include an absorbent material. Materials including lightweight, small denier, woven cotton, may be included to allow for adequate flow of air, but also distribution of moisture for evaporation in the lower portion 104 of the undergarment, and optionally, additionally, in the upper portion 102 of the undergarment.

In additional non-limiting embodiments, the lower portion 104, the upper portion 102, or both, may include an antimicrobially-treated fabric or material such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,343,853, which is incorporated herein by reference, or a fabric or material with anti-microbial properties. In one non-limiting embodiment, the antimicrobial composition is a chlorinated phenoxy antimicrobial composition, and the fabric of at least the lower portion 104 of the undergarment 100 is pretreated with the composition by being subjected to the composition prior to being fabricated into the undergarment 100.

Several different embodiments for the waistband 120 secured to or formed of the top portion of the undergarment 100 may be provided. The waistband 120 is provided for holding the undergarment 100 on the user. In one embodiment, the waistband 120 may be constructed of a different fabric or material as the upper portion 102 and/or the lower portion 104, or of the same material of either of the upper portion 102 or the lower portion 104. In one non-limiting example, the waistband 120 may be formed of a lace material, in a further embodiment, the material may include a stretch lace. In another embodiment, the waistband 120 may include an elastic knit within the upper portion 102, in one example, wherein the elastic may include a loose elastic to provide for a comfort fit, while securing the undergarment 100 onto the user. Surrounding the openings 122, 124 for receiving the legs of a user may also include an elastic portion for securing the undergarment 100 onto the user in an embodiment. In a non-limiting embodiment, the elastic surrounding the openings 122, 124, and some of the elastic in other areas of the undergarment may include a thin elastic to enhance comfort of the user. In some embodiments, the elastic may include a rubber material. In a non-limiting example, the elastic includes a white natural elastic rubber tape, of dimension 0.15 in×¼ inch, product name PQW1514 sourced from State Narrow Fabrics, Inc. This elastic may be included in some particular embodiments for enhanced comfort of the user due to the light rubber in the elastic, resulting in decreased tensile strength.

Along the edges of the undergarment, and at the first seam 116 and second seam 118 joining the lower portion 104 to the upper portion 102 may include a flat seam to enhance the comfort of the undergarment 100, in an embodiment. In other embodiments, seams connecting various elements of the garment may be wide, narrow, loose, dense, bound seams, French seams, flat seams, top stitched seams, lapped seams, and superimposed seams. Flat seams may, for example, use a zig zag lock stitch, chain stitch, or covering stitch. Further, the seam may be any suitable width, such as 1 to 10 mm wide, generally 4 to 8 mm wide. The seam may be two separate seams (double seams) adjacent each other. Seams may be used that are not only functional but add a decorative or ornamental feature to the garment.

In at least one further embodiment, an undergarment may be included without the first and second seams, wherein the upper portion and lower portion of the device are formed of the same breathable fabric. In this embodiment, seams along the sides of the undergarment between the openings 122 and 124, and the top portion 110, respectively may be required to join the one piece of fabric together to form the undergarment 100.

In still another embodiment, only one of the first seam 116 or the second seam 118 may be required, wherein the lower portion 104 and a front side 106 are formed of one material, wherein only the second seam 118 connecting the upper portion 102, back side 108 to the remainder of the undergarment may be included, in addition to seams between the openings 122, 124 and the top portion 110, respectively. In yet another embodiment, only the first seam 116 may be required, wherein the lower portion 104 and a back side 108 are formed of one material, wherein only the second seam 118 connecting the upper portion 102, front side 106 to the remainder of the undergarment 100 may be included, in addition to seams between the openings 122, 124 and the top portion 110, respectively, for example.

FIG. 4 is a front side view of an undergarment embodiment 200, wherein the upper portion 202 includes a first material and the lower portion 204 includes a second material, wherein the first and second materials are of the same type, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, while the upper and lower 202, 204 portions may include material of the same type, the material of the lower portion 204 may provide increased breathability as compared to the upper portion 202, for example, by way of including the same fabric as in the upper portion 202, but with a smaller denier (D), or by way of including a lighter fabric, or a material with a greater density of pores (as demonstrated in FIG. 4), or material with larger apertures or pores, in some examples. In embodiments wherein the lower portion 204 includes a mesh material, and the upper portion 202 includes a mesh material, the apertures of the lower portion mesh may be larger than the apertures of the upper portion mesh. For example, apertures (or sieves) of mesh material may range. Sizes of mesh may range from nos. 3-600, depending on the number of openings per linear inch. For example, a number 20 mesh includes a 0.0331 inch sieve opening. A number 4 mesh includes a 0.187 inch sieve opening. The mesh (or fabric in some examples) may also differ by how close together the openings or apertures are in the fabric or by the number of openings or apertures in the fabric. The closer together of the apertures in the fabric provides a more breathable fabric than the farther apart the apertures are dispersed in the fabric. Further, the larger number of apertures in the fabric provides for a more breathable material than a fabric including a smaller number of apertures.

The undergarment embodiments herein may include bikini, thong, full coverage underwear, or sports undergarments, for example, or may further include undergarment for males such as boxers, briefs, or unisex undergarments including base layers, compression garments, slider shorts, and/or swimwear.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of molecular biology. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described herein. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An undergarment, comprising: an upper portion configured to cover a portion of an abdomen of a user, the upper portion comprising a front side, a back side, a top side, and a front side end, and a back side end; a lower portion configured to cover a genital region of the user, wherein the lower portion comprises a first end and a second end; a first seam positioned between the front side end and the first end of the lower portion, the first seam configured to be disposed at or above the mons pubis of the user; and a second seam positioned between the back side end and the second end, the second seam configured to be disposed at or below the sacroiliac joint of the user; wherein the lower portion comprises a single-ply fabric panel, said single-ply fabric panel comprising a breathable fabric.
 2. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising wherein the first seam and/or the second seam comprises an arcuate profile.
 3. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising wherein the first seam and/or the second seam comprises a flat seam.
 4. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises a different fabric than the lower portion.
 5. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the upper portion comprises the same fabric as the lower portion, wherein the fabric of the upper portion comprises a weight per square yard that is greater than the weight per square yard of the fabric of the lower portion.
 6. The undergarment of claim 1, further comprising a waistband secured to the top side of the upper portion.
 7. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion and/or the upper portion comprises an anti-microbially treated fabric, or a fabric with antimicrobial properties.
 8. The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion comprises a smaller denier (D) than the upper portion.
 9. An undergarment for preventing vulvitis, comprising: an upper portion; a lower portion; a first seam and a second seam connecting the upper portion to the lower portion; wherein the upper and lower portions form a first opening and a second opening for receiving a first leg and a second leg of a user; wherein the lower portion comprises a single layer of a breathable fabric.
 10. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, wherein the lower portion comprises a smaller denier (D) than the upper portion.
 11. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, wherein the lower portion comprises a smaller denier (D) than the upper portion.
 12. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, wherein the upper portion comprises a different fabric than the lower portion.
 13. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, further comprising wherein the first seam and/or the second seam comprises an arcuate profile.
 14. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, wherein the lower portion extends the length of the genital region of the user.
 15. The undergarment for preventing vulvitis of claim 9, wherein the lower portion and/or the upper portion comprises an anti-microbially treated fabric, or a fabric with antimicrobial properties. 